Lactobacillus reuteri

Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a Gram-positive, non-spore-forming rod of the family Lactobacillaceae and one of the most widely formulated probiotic species in the supplement trade. Buyers should note the nomenclature before artwork is signed off: the species was moved out of Lactobacillus in the 2020 reclassification of the genus by Zheng and co-workers, so the valid name is now Limosilactobacillus reuteri (Kandler et al. 1982) Zheng et al. 2020, with Lactobacillus reuteri as the basonym. Both names remain in circulation on labels and in regulatory schedules, and we issue documentation carrying the current binomial alongside the historical name so specifications and dossiers reconcile. The species reference strain is ATCC 23272 = DSM 20016 = JCM 1112 = CIP 101887 = LMG 13557. Unlike most lactobacilli used in supplements, L. reuteri is obligately heterofermentative, and it is the species that converts glycerol to reuterin — 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde together with its hydrate and dimer — the biochemistry for which it is best known in the food-technology literature. It is comparatively aerotolerant next to the bifidobacteria, which makes it more forgiving through blending, encapsulation and tabletting. Material is supplied as a lyophilised live culture concentrate standardised on colony-forming units, either as bulk powder for your own blending or filled into HPMC or gelatin capsules at your dose. Potency is declared with the overage needed to hold label claim to the end of the stated shelf life, and every lot ships with a certificate of analysis carrying strain identity, viable count, moisture, water activity and microbiological purity. Commercially the strain designation matters more than the species name. DSM 17938, ATCC PTA 6475 and ATCC PTA 4659 are distinct commercial entities with distinct dossiers; DSM 17938 in particular is the plasmid-cured daughter of ATCC 55730, created after two plasmids carrying tetracycline and lincomycin resistance were removed, and ATCC 55730 itself traces to a 1990 breast-milk isolate. We quote against a named production strain and confirm its deposit number, identity and antimicrobial-resistance screening before order confirmation. In India, FSSAI requires a product presented as probiotic to use an organism drawn from Schedule VII and to deliver at least 10⁸ CFU in the recommended daily serving unless a lower count is approved on evidence; confirm the current Schedule VII entry and your destination-market status at enquiry. Fermentation media for lactic acid bacteria commonly contain milk- or soy-derived peptones, so allergen status is declared lot by lot and milk-free and soy-free grades are available. We describe composition and viable count only, and make no therapeutic or disease claims.